Anna Maria Winter Art & Craft Show January 17–18, 2026: A Weekend of Island Creativity (and the Perfect Hurricane Hanks Finish)

If you’ll be on Anna Maria Island in mid-January, circle this one in big, bold marker: the Anna Maria Winter Art & Craft Show returns January 17–18, 2026 for two full days of art, music, and foodie fun in Holmes Beach. Set up at the island’s community hub near Holmes Beach City Hall—at City Field on Marina Drive—this event is all about strolling, discovering handmade treasures, and soaking up that “winter on the Gulf Coast” magic.

And when you’ve browsed the booths, enjoyed the entertainment, and worked up a proper appetite? There’s a simple, delicious plan: make Hurricane Hanks your go-to spot for dinner and drinks throughout the weekend—whether you pop in after the show, treat yourself to a mid-day break, or turn your art-filled day into a full-on island night out.

Quick Details: Dates, Times, Location, and What to Expect

When and where

• Dates: Saturday & Sunday, January 17–18, 2026
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Where: City Field, 6001 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL (near the City Hall area / community center zone)
• Cost: Often promoted as free admission to the public

Multiple event listings describe the show as a two-day “art & craft” weekend at City Field in Holmes Beach with daytime hours, plus vendors, food options, and entertainment.

What you’ll see (and why it’s so fun)

This show is known for its variety—think fine art and handcrafted goods that range from practical (gifts you can actually use) to “wow” (pieces you’ll want to display the second you get home). Event descriptions commonly highlight original work across categories like painting, photography, jewelry, ceramics, mixed media, and more—exactly the kind of browsing that turns into “Wait… this would be perfect for the beach house.”

And it’s not just shopping. Many listings also reference live entertainment and food/drink options on site, giving the event a true festival feel—like a community block party, but with better handmade jewelry and fewer awkward small-talk circles.

An Extensive History of the Anna Maria Winter Art & Craft Show

Anna Maria Island has long had a creative heartbeat—an arts-and-culture streak that fits perfectly with the island’s laid-back, come-as-you-are charm. One reason arts events thrive here is that the island isn’t just a beach destination—it’s a community that values local character, handmade craft, and the kind of experiences that feel personal rather than mass-produced.

How the show began: a winter tradition built for island life

The Anna Maria Winter Art & Craft Show is a newer tradition compared to some long-running Florida festivals, but it has grown quickly into a can’t-miss winter staple. In 2026, it’s widely promoted as the 6th annual edition—which strongly suggests the show took shape in the early 2020s and then built momentum year after year.

That timing makes sense: January is peak season for visitors on Florida’s Gulf Coast—people escaping colder weather, snowbirds settling in, and vacationers looking for daytime activities that are fun, walkable, and family-friendly. A weekend art & craft show fits perfectly into that rhythm: outdoor browsing, community energy, and unique purchases that instantly become souvenirs with a story.

Why it caught on: “handmade + holiday gift energy,” even after the holidays

Even though the calendar says January, many show listings describe it with a “gift idea” vibe—highlighting handmade, artist-designed, and unique creations that are ideal for thoughtful giving. In other words: it’s the kind of event where you can still find something “holiday-perfect,” even if you’re shopping a few weeks late (and honestly, that’s the best kind of shopping—no pressure, no crowds, no panic).

This focus on uniqueness also helps explain the show’s growth. Florida has plenty of markets, but not all of them prioritize truly original work. The Winter Art & Craft Show leans hard into the idea that you’re meeting makers, discovering fresh ideas, and bringing home pieces you won’t see everywhere else.

Year-over-year growth: returning favorites, new artists, and broader reach

Recent local event roundups describe the show as a returning winter highlight with a mix of returning favorite artists and new makers, implying a steady rotation that keeps the experience fresh each year.

As it matured into its sixth year, the show also benefitted from the modern way people discover events: community calendars, festival directories, and shareable posts that spread fast. Today, you’ll find the show listed across multiple event platforms and community sources—one of the clearest signals that it’s become a recognized annual date on the island’s winter calendar. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Rooted in an arts-friendly island culture

While the Winter Art & Craft Show is a relatively recent “annual,” it’s built on a deeper foundation: Anna Maria Island’s long-standing love for the arts. For example, the Anna Maria Island Art League (an island arts institution) traces its origins back decades and reflects the community’s commitment to keeping creative life thriving year-round.

That broader arts ecosystem helps events like this succeed. Visitors come for the beaches—but they stay busy (and spend happily) when there’s culture, creativity, and community happening all around them.

How to Do the Show Right: A Simple Game Plan

1) Arrive early, stroll slow

With daytime hours running 10–5, the best time to browse is often earlier in the day—cooler temps, easier parking, and first dibs on one-of-a-kind pieces. Plus, you get that satisfying feeling of being “the person who has their life together,” which is basically impossible to maintain once you see handcrafted snacks and start negotiating with yourself.

2) Talk to the artists

This is one of the underrated joys of a true art-and-craft show: you can actually meet the creator. Ask about materials, techniques, inspiration, or whether that piece can survive salty air in a coastal home. (Important information. Island life is real.)

3) Turn it into a full day, not just a quick stop

The show is perfect as a centerpiece activity—something you build your day around. Which leads to the most important part…

Why Hurricane Hanks Is the Perfect “Before, During, and After” Spot

Art shows are joyful… and they also require stamina. You’re walking, browsing, deciding, carrying bags, debating whether you need a new statement piece, and resisting the urge to buy three things you absolutely do not need (but absolutely deserve).

That’s why Hurricane Hanks makes the perfect companion to the Anna Maria Winter Art & Craft Show weekend:

• Easy “reward meal” energy: You’ve earned dinner.
• Great for drinks: Celebrate the best finds, toast the weekend, and keep the good vibes rolling.
• Perfect for groups: Friends, family, visitors—everyone can compare what they bought and pretend they’re art critics.
• Ideal timing: After the show ends at 5 PM, dinner and drinks are exactly the right next chapter.

Whether you want to make it a relaxed evening after a day at City Field or pop in as a midday “break and recharge” move, Hurricane Hanks is a natural fit for a weekend built on fun, flavor, and that classic Anna Maria Island hospitality.

Make It Official: Helpful External Links for Planning

• Anna Maria Winter Art & Craft Show listing (Sarasota Events Calendar)
• 2026 event overview and location details (FairsandFestivals)
• January 2026 roundup featuring the show (Discover Bradenton)

Final Thoughts: Your January Island Weekend, Upgraded

The Anna Maria Winter Art & Craft Show is the kind of event that feels perfectly “Anna Maria”: creative, friendly, walkable, and full of small surprises. It’s a celebration of makers and artists, a chance to collect something meaningful, and a reason to spend a winter weekend outside doing something that isn’t just “sit near the water and be jealous of your own life.”

So come for the art. Stay for the music and the festival energy. And when you’re ready to wrap up the day the right way—make Hurricane Hanks your spot for dinner and drinks, turning a great show into a full, unforgettable Anna Maria Island experience.